The group managing director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, has said that the Corporation is driving a number of initiatives towards converting the nation's abundant natural gas resources to serve as launching pad for its industrialisation.
Dr. Baru, who disclosed this on the sidelines of the ongoing 27th World Gas Conference (WGC) taking place in Washington, United States, said NNPC was driving a number of initiatives including putting the required infrastructure in place as well as ensuring that new power plants are built.
A statement issued by the Corporation's spokesman, Ndu Ughamadu, made available to LEADERSHIP yesterday, quoted the GMD as saying, "We are keen on using some of the new projects like the 614km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline Project to open up not only the gas corridor but also ensure that power plants that are built can inject stability into the national grid."
Baru stated that as part of the new gas development initiatives, investors were expected to come in and establish fertilizer and petrochemical plants.
"On our part, we are keen on ensuring the sanctity of all our contracts. This, surely, will ultimately kick-start our industrial development," he added.
On his part the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, said it was imperative for Nigeria to market its enormous gas resources at the global level.
The minister noted that ideas, experience and lessons learnt from other countries at the conference would spur Nigeria to dismantle all obstacles which, over the years, have been slowing down the nation's gas-to-power aspirations and industrialisation.
Other critical industry stakeholders at the Nigerian Pavilion include the chairman, Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Bassey Albert Akpan who lauded the Baru for his support towards ensuring Nigeria's successful outing at the conference.
He said as legislators, the National Assembly is currently working on the fiscals and the administration aspects of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), having already passed the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB) which he said was awaiting Mr. President's assent.
Chairman House Committee on Gas, Hon. Fredrick Agbedi, stated that the Senate and the House of Representatives were working together to ensure that in the next few weeks, the PIB becomes a law so that Nigerians will derive the maximum benefits, in especially, the Gas Sector.
